The average American would be shocked to learn that North America has bred genocidal maniacs. They would be further shocked if they were told that this maniac lived and died well into the twentieth century. The name of that vile devil was Rafael Trujillo. This villain inspired many to oppose him, but the most famous were the Mirabal sisters. Minerva Mirabal, one of the sisters, was a great example of courage, as shown in the novel In the Times Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. Minerva has shown courage in all aspects of her life, despite potentially dangerous outcomes that could have befallen her. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayMinerva Mirabal showed off her courage when she came face to face with Rafael Trujillo. On page 19, Alvarez describes a scene in which the young woman exemplified the courage she found within herself. “I started crying, but I pinched my arms to stop myself. I had to be brave for Sinita. Even at a young age Minerva displayed altruistic qualities. When she was presented with a tragic story that made her cry, she told herself to stop for Sinita's sake. This is one of many examples of selflessness that demonstrate the existence of an intrinsic courage that lives within Minerva. Minerva Mirabal showed off her courage when she came face to face with Rafael Trujillo. Alvarez describes a scene on page 100 in which the young woman exemplifies the courage she finds within herself. “He tugs at my wrist, thrusting my pelvis in a vulgar way, and I can see my hand in a slow, infinite motion rising – a mind of its own – and falling over my astonished, made-up face.” Minerva slapped the "president" of her country, despite knowing full well that he was a murderer. She commits this act, knowing she could be killed for it: true courage. Minerva Mirabal has shown a tremendous amount of courage not only for herself, but for those around her. In the following excerpt from the book Maria Teresa describes an interesting conversation between her and her older sister. “I asked Minerva why she was doing such a dangerous thing. And then, he said the strangest thing. He wanted me to grow up in a free country” (Alvarez 39). Minerva chooses to try to shape her country for her sister's well-being despite the knowledge that it could one day get her killed. Ultimately, this choice leads to her death at the hands of Trujillo's henchmen, even when she is given several chances to escape or be pardoned. This fact demonstrates the existence of an intrinsic courage that lives within her, as she cares about the safety and well-being of others (especially her sister) over her own. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Minerva Mirabal was the personification of courage, as demonstrated by her actions in all aspects of her life. He solidified his position as the epitome of courage in these moments, the apotheosis of his efforts to depose the ruthless demon known as Rafael Trujillo. Despite the difficulties she faced, she managed to overcome the tribulations to become the martyr her cause has always needed. Minerva Mirabal lived in a way that proved to be the true embodiment of courage.